Talent wanted: Ionia Idol searching for contestants

Season 9 of Ionia Idol is just around the corner and the Ionia Idol committee is looking for contestants for this year's competition. Singers of any age are invited to compete for monetary prizes. The grand prize money is $1,500, the second place winner will receive $750 and third place will win $250.

Season 9 of Ionia Idol is just around the corner and the Ionia Idol committee is looking for contestants for this year's competition. Singers of any age are invited to compete for monetary prizes. The grand prize money is $1,500, the second place winner will receive $750 and third place will win $250.

In addition to the prize, the winner of this event will also open the Ionia Free Fair parade, entertain guests at the Governor's Lawn Party, sing at the Queen's Contest and perform at the 2014 Ionia Idol competition.

One of the perks of this year's competition is that contestants will be performing on a new and larger stage. The competition will take place July 24-27 at the Ionia Free Fairgrounds. In the past, this free contest has proven to be a popular event at the Ionia Free Fair.

A new sign has been erected on the roadside by the Ionia skate park posting a submission deadline of June 14. For the application, each contestant will perform two solo songs, each lasting no more than five minutes. Contestants will be judged on talent, stage presence, vocal range and overall impression of the judges.

Each contestant shall submit a videotape or DVD of the performance along with a completed application form and a $30 non-refundable fee, payable to the Ionia Free Fair. Previous Ionia Idol winners are not allowed to enter for two years after being named "Ionia Idol."

Chairing this event are Mary Cusack and Annie Bales Ludwick. Returning for her second year, Whitney Richer will be serving as master of ceremonies. In addition, Becca Usher joined the Ionia Idol committee this year, as well as became the newest member of the Ionia Free Fair Board of Directors. As a member of both groups, Usher will be working to keep the lines of communication open between the Board and the Idol planning committee.

Applicants should look online for more information regarding the event at www.ioniafreefair.com and follow the link to "Ionia Idol."